Three Alazani Rivers Biosphere Reserve Project Concludes with Landmark Achievements in Georgia

A major initiative to strengthen the governance and sustainable development of one of Georgia’s first biosphere reserves has reached its successful completion. The project, titled “Biosphere Reserves as Model Regions for Sustainable Development – Capacity Development for Coordinated and Effective Management of the Three Alazani Biosphere Reserve,” officially closed following a series of high-impact events in December 2025.

Milestone Opening: New Biosphere Reserve Information Space in Akhmeta

On December 19, an Information Space for the Three Alazani Rivers Biosphere Reserve was inaugurated within the Akhmeta Municipality City Hall. Organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (REC Caucasus), this new facility is designed to introduce the biosphere reserve concept to the public, raise awareness, and improve access to information for residents and visitors alike.

The opening event was attended by representatives of state institutions, local self-government authorities, partner organizations, and residents. Participants discussed the biosphere reserve’s role in boosting the local economy and protecting the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

A core pillar of the project was its capacity-building component. The Michael Succow Foundation (MSF) developed a comprehensive training concept, delivering specialized workshops in close coordination with REC Caucasus and GIZ from December 15 to 18, 2025. These sessions were designed to equip local stakeholders with the knowledge necessary for effective and participatory biosphere reserve governance.

In addition, REC Caucasus, with conceptual support from MSF and GIZ:

  • Produced and installed road signs for the Three Alazani Rivers Biosphere Reserve territory 
  • Produced and installed biosphere reserve information board for tourists
  • Developed informational and promotional materials to enhance public outreach
  • Launched official website of the Three Alazani Rivers Biosphere Reserve, serving as a digital gateway for researchers, stakeholders, and tourists  

Final Workshop: Showcasing Results and Small Grants

The project’s final event featured a comprehensive presentation of project results. Representatives from REC Caucasus, GIZ and MSF showcased the strategic milestones achieved over the project’s duration.

A highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation by small grants beneficiaries. These local entrepreneurs and community leaders, who received funding through the GIZ-supported small grants program, demonstrated how their micro-projects have directly contributed to eco-friendly innovations and the preservation of traditional activities within the Three Alazani Rivers Biosphere Reserve. This event marked the official conclusion of the project.

Focusing on the Future: Co-Management Workshop

On December 24, within the framework of the project, a specialized technical workshop was organized in Tbilisi, focusing on the co-management of protected areas and biosphere reserves. The session brought together a diverse group of representatives from Georgia’s two biosphere reserves, administrations of protected landscapes, the Ministry, local municipalities, and other key stakeholders. Participants explored integrated governance models designed to address existing territorial challenges and balance biodiversity conservation with the socio-economic needs of local communities - a critical step for the region's long-term sustainability. The workshop also served as a collaborative platform to identify regional problems and develop joint strategies for institutional cooperation and partnership.

About the Three Alazani Rivers Biosphere Reserve

Recognized by UNESCO in 2022, the Three Alazani Rivers Biosphere Reserve covers 199,944 hectares in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia. Its establishment marks a historic milestone as one of the first two biosphere reserves in the entire South Caucasus - a process supported by the Michael Succow Foundation (MSF) from its very inception.

In collaboration with GIZ, RECC and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, MSF provided technical guidance and support for the initial feasibility study and the extensive preparatory work for the biosphere reserve development. This joint effort ranged from participatory zoning to the development of the final UNESCO nomination.

The project was supported within the programme “Policy Dialogue and Knowledge Management on Climate Change Strategies” (DIAPOL-CE), implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), with support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI).

Photos: RECC; N. Malazonia / MSF

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